This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

2008 New Models Heavy

The big changes ahead for Autocar LLC include the obligatory emissions control systems to meet stringent exhaust pollution regulations that went into effect in 2007, as well as a brand new cab for its Xpeditor refuse chassis. Working in conjunction with engine partner Cummins, Autocar developed a single-radiator solution to handle the 30% greater load on its truck's cooling system, without

Jul 01, 2007

AUTOCAR

The big changes ahead for Autocar LLC include the obligatory emissions control systems to meet stringent exhaust pollution regulations that went into effect in 2007, as well as a brand new cab for its Xpeditor refuse chassis.

Working in conjunction with engine partner Cummins, Autocar developed a single-radiator solution to handle the 30% greater load on its truck's cooling system, without interfering with the truck's body design and actually offering increased horsepower ratings of 300 to 425. Autocar's full line of '07-certified Cummins products includes ISC, ISL, and ISM diesels, as well as a new ISL natural gas engine.

The Cummins engines and Fleetguard diesel particulate filter (DPF) create an integrated system that requires no igniters in the DPF, no additional airflow through the DPF, and no external fuel lines routed to the DPF.

Exterior improvements to the cab include standard front-loader arms that clear the cab and front-mounted pumps mounted behind the bumper.

“This is the same tough cab as before. It's just bigger and offers a wide range of safety, convenience and ease-of-use improvements,” says Tom Vatter, Autocar's vp-sales and marketing.

The new design retains previous improvements made to Autocar's older cab models, such as an electronic, fully-blended HVAC system with 28% better efficiency, multiplexed gauges, an integrated camera monitor and an integrated diagnostic tool with readout. Other cab benefits range from cup holders to electrical connections that are positioned in a common, easy-to-access area and a common air manifold.www.autocartruck.com

FREIGHTLINER

Freightliner Trucks has launched the Cascadia, a new Class 8 engineered specifically to accommodate EPA '07- and '10-compliant engines. The OEM says the new model also boasts a 3% boost in fuel economy over previous models and provides generous driver amenities in a totally redesigned cab. While the Cascadia replaces the Columbia and Century models, Freightliner reports it will continue producing those models “for the foreseeable future.”

The new model's fuel economy gain was achieved thanks to its aerodynamic design, which cuts drag by 20% over previous models. Freightliner LLC said engineers spent 2,500 hours developing the Cascadia in its custom wind tunnel built specifically for Class 8 vehicles. The Cascadia is the first truck built and engineered using this facility.

According to Freightliner, the Cascadia will easily accept EPA '07 compliant engines and will be adapted “with little change” to the upcoming EPA '10 standard. The tractor has a larger front end to accommodate a larger capacity radiator — up to 1,755 sq. in. — to sufficiently cool EPA '10 engines. The Cascadia was built to be optimized with the all-new EPA '10-ready Detroit Diesel heavy-duty engine family, which is to debut later this year. The tractor also features an expandable electronic platform that could accommodate EPA '10 technology, including SCR (selective catalytic reduction).

The Cascadia offers a fully integrated battery-powered auxiliary HVAC system to save fuel and an engine cooling system that minimizes engine fan and air-conditioning compressor on-time, the OEM points out.

Freightliner says it boosted payload capacity for the Cascadia by cutting the truck's weight, using an aluminum cab instead of steel and making the hood, bumper and quarter fenders lighter. The OEM says it has enhanced durability by improving diagnostics and offering low-maintenance HVAC system, breakaway side extenders, a roped-in windshield that can be changed within minutes and extended-life headlamp bulbs. Freightliner also points out that there's easy access to the engine with accessory components mounted to it.

Driver satisfaction and productivity were a major design focus, evident by the completely redesigned cab, featuring more room, automotive styling, ergonomic controls, and plenty of lighting and storage space. The seats are larger, with more room between the seats. The all-new cab also has larger door openings, more head and belly room, and easier-to-use switches and climate controls.

Freightliner says it cut the noise and vibration with double door and window seals, improved engine and cab mounts, additional insulation and a hydraulic clutch.

The tractor comes standard with the 455-hp. Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine, with an MBE 4000 with ratings of 370 to 450 hp. and Caterpillar C15 with ratings from 435 to 550 hp. optionally available. An Eaton Fuller manual transmission is standard, with Eaton UltraShift and AutoShift transmissions available as options.

Other key specs include GVW ratings from 35,000 to 71,000 lb. and a GCWR of 92,000 lb. The standard front taper-leaf suspension is rated at 12,000 lb. and the optional spring suspension at 14,600 lb.www.freightlinertrucks.com

INTERNATIONAL

International Truck and Engine Corp.'s new flagship is the Class 8 ProStar on-highway tractor. This year the ProStar is replacing the 9400 model and next year it will replace the 9200 as well. As a completely new Class 8 tractor platform, the ProStar was designed in part to help offset expected fuel economy losses due to the emissions control technology required for all new heavy trucks in 2007.

According to Ed Melching, director, heavy truck development center, the OEM focused on “creating a completely integrated truck, from the truck's aerodynamics to the transmission and even tires, to compensate for the fuel economy losses predicted for '07 engine and aftertreatment systems. The aerodynamic changes we've made with the ProStar design improve fuel economy 4% to 4.5% compared to our previous tractor models. That more than offsets the 1% to 3% fuel economy loss projected for '07 trucks.”

The new Class 8 will come in four model designations — the ProStar, ProStar Premium, ProStar Eagle, and ProStar Limited. All versions will incorporate the same functionality in terms of chassis, axle, transmission and engine options but each designation offers successively more luxurious interior and exterior trim packages.

Tom Baughman, vp & gm of the heavy truck group, says the ProStar benefits from six million miles of testing in the lab, on test tracks, and with customers that ensures it delivers superior reliability and durability. He says driver comfort and ergonomics were improved by consulting 2,000 distinct “driver profiles.” In particular, he says drivers will benefit from advanced, integrated ride and handling that is designed to reduce fatigue and improve responsiveness. “The seat, the cab and chassis suspensions have been integrated and tested to complement and enhance vehicle level ride and handling characteristics.”

Baughman says serviceability was addressed by synchronizing routine maintenance around scheduled oil changes to keep the truck on the road an additional 60 to 70 days over a five-year ownership cycle. He says major aerodynamic changes have vastly improved the vehicle's fuel economy profile,” noting that a computerized application was used to optimize design in the early stages of the process and ⅛-scale wind tunnel testing aided basic shape development. “Full-scale wind tunnel testing was completed with a trailer attached, which revealed an 8% drag reduction improvement compared to International's previous best-in-class model,” Baughman states.

ProStar engine offerings will include two International MaxxForce big bore diesels in the 11L and 13L class. These engines were developed by International and Germany's MAN Nutzfahrzeuge. International will also offer Caterpillar's new C13 diesel in the ProStar.

The OEM says that it will offer a total of six new MaxxForce 11 and MaxxForce 13 engines for its Class 8 trucks. These diesels provide up to 1,700 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,000 rpm with ratings running from 330 to 475 hp.www.internationaldelivers.com

KENWORTH

Kenworth Truck Co. has expanded its T660 aerodynamic offering with an extended-cab version that adds six inches to the standard T660's 122-in. BBC length, five inches to its height and two inches behind the wheel.

The Class 8 T660 is powered by EPA '07-compliant engines. It replaced the venerable T600, which came to market 20 years ago as trucking's first aerodynamic tractor. The grille of all T660s is 5% larger to accommodate the increased airflow and cooling performance required by EPA '07engines. Even so, according to chief engineer Mike Dozier, Kenworth was able to actually achieve a positive increase in aerodynamics and fuel economy. “We used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis extensively to fine-tune the aerodynamic performance of the whole vehicle,” he says.

Other key features of the T660 include halogen projector low beams that provide 40% more light down the road than a sealed beam lamp and last three times longer and a High Intensity Discharge option that provides 75% more light and lasts 11 times longer than sealed beams.

Advanced technology inside all T660s includes an enhanced multiplexed electrical instrumentation system, GPS navigation system (standard with the Diamond cab interior and optional on the Splendor interior), new proprietary seats boasting foldaway armrests, and the new KW Driver's Information Center (DIC). The DIC is an option on all '08 Class 8s.

Kenworth has also added its Extended Day Cab option to its Class 8 vocational W900S model. The OEM says this option provides an additional 6 in. of length and 5 in. of cab height compared to Kenworth's traditional day cab. The Extended Day Cab also offers 2 more in. behind the wheel, additional leg room, up to 21 degrees of recline in the driver's seat, and 2 extra cu. ft. of storage behind the driver's seat. Kenworth also offers the Extended Day Cab option on all T660 and T800 and W900 models.

Kenworth has also improved the W900S model by moving steering gear forward ahead of the axle and adding longer front springs as part of a front end redesign that increases wheel cut by 4 degrees and reduces the overall turning radius.

The OEM also will offer the Caterpillar C9 engine for its W900S and T800 vocational models. According to KW, buyers can save nearly 900 lb. with the Cat C9 over the 12.5L Cat C13 and still get the power needed for their specific application.” KW will offer the C9 with 350 hp. and 1,250 lb.-ft. of torque governed at 2,200 rpm and the 335-hp. version with 1,150 lb.-ft. of torque governed at 2,200 rpm.

KW has also added the Cummins ISM 425 hp engine for its W900S and T800 vocational models. The OEM says buyers can save over 500 lb. by selecting the 11L Cummins ISM 425 hp. compared to 13L engines and still get the power needed for their specific application. Kenworth offers the Cummins ISM 425-hp. engine with a torque rating of 1,550 lb.-ft. at 1,200 rpm. The engine is available for W900S, T800 short hood, and T800 short hood with front-engine PTO models. www.kenworth.com

MACK

Mack Trucks has announced no major changes, either to its highway flagship model, the Pinnacle, or its Granite and Granite Axle Back vocational models but has added the TerraPro line to its vocational lineup

Pinnacle and Granite Class 8 trucks are available with two new diesels — MP7 and MP8 — from the OEM's MackPower or MP engine family. These diesels were designed to meet EPA ‘07 regulations and to work as part of a “purebred” Mack integrated powertrain. The 11L MP7 and the 13L MP8 will be offered in Maxidyne, Econodyne and MaxiCruise performance versions.

The MP7 comes in six horsepower ratings running from 325 to 405 hp. and ranging from 1260 to 1560 lb.-ft. of torque. The MP8 will offer power ratings from 415 to 485 hp. matched to torque ratings from 1450 to 1700 lb.-ft.

The Pinnacle highway model is offered in a 116-in. BBC day cab configuration as well as in 48- and 56-in. flat-top; 60-in. and 70-in. mid-rise; and 70-in. high-rise sleeper versions. The OEM notes all these versions are built on ack's Advantage highway chassis.

Granite and Granite Axle Back vocational models feature a 116-in. BBC and are built on Mack's Cornerstone vocational chassis. A key feature of all these models is their advanced driver environment, which boasts more leg and belly room, better gauge lighting, control layout, etc., according to Tom Kelly, vp of marketing.

Mack says its new TerraPro series includes the TerraPro Low Entry and the TerraPro Cabover. “Mack designed the TerraPro Series models from the inside out, based on many decades of experience in the refuse business,” says Steve Ginter, vocational products manager. “The TerraPro Series takes everything we learned with the Mack MR and LE models and gives customers the most versatile and comfortable trucks Mack has ever built for the refuse industry.”

According to Ginter, the TerraPro Low Entry comes with many features designed for the specific needs of the refuse industry. He says its low-to-the-ground cab height (17 in.) provides easy one-step entry and exit for curbside pickup operations, It can be configured for front-, rear- or side-loading; has the largest door openings in the industry for easy entry and egress, and its dual-steer design enhances driver flexibility and productivity.www.macktrucks.com

PETERBILT

Peterbilt Motors Co. says its new Model 387 Extended Day Cab and Model 384 daycab/sleeper tractors complete the company's revamping of its aerodynamic truck lineup. According to chief engineer Landon Sproull, the extended version of the Model 387 is intended for tanker and regional hauling applications. He says the Extended Day Cab version adds six in. to the interior cab length and will be offered with both medium and “premium” length hoods. The Model 384 is a 116-in. BBC tractor and will be offered as a day cab or with a range of Peterbilt's proprietary Unibilt sleeper boxes. Both new models boast the aerodynamic styling introduced with the base version of the Model 387 and will be available later this year.

The company's traditionally styled Models 388 and 389 have also been upgraded, receiving new grilles for better air flow to the engine as well as redesigned hood mechanisms for easier service access. Both the Model 388 and 389 can be ordered with a new proprietary Fuel Efficiency Package designed to improve fuel consumption through aerodynamically enhanced exterior components. These include a new contoured roof fairing, oval-shaped cab-mounted exhaust, aerodynamic air cleaners, streamlined tool and battery boxes and contoured bumper and underbody fairing. Sproull says the package's roof fairing, which smoothly directs airflow over the cab and sleeper roof and across the trailer, alone can improve fuel efficiency by nearly 10% vs. trucks with no roof fairing. In addition, the outer and lower edges of the new proprietary bumper have been rounded to reduce wind resistance while still maintaining a bold appearance. Sproull says that aerodynamic performance is further enhanced thanks to an underbody fairing that improves airflow under the vehicle and through the radiator. Restyled fender supports also feature rounded edges to better direct airflow over the fenders. The new 15-in. stainless steel air cleaners include a trim panel to block air from going between them and the cab and a mounted trailing tab redirects air away from the side of the cab and sleeper. Oval-shaped, cab-mounted exhaust stacks provide a unique styling characteristic, Sproull adds, while reducing aerodynamic drag and providing a smoother flow of air from top to bottom. Completing the Fuel Efficiency Package are new streamlined tool and battery boxes. A contoured fairing on the front of the boxes softens the surface and directs airflow around the battery and tool boxes.

Pete is also rolling out newly redesigned trucks for heavy-duty vocational customers. The Model 367 offers a 127-in. BBC measurement while the Model 365 has a 115-in. BBC. Both feature new front axle positions for better maneuverability in tight work sites and a range of weight-saving options, notes the OEM.

Peterbilt's new Driver Information Display (DID) is standard on Models 389, 388, 386, 384, 367 and 365. The display is located directly in front of the driver.www.peterbilt.com

STERLING

Sterling Truck Corp. has announced no major changes to its A-Line of Class 8 vocational and L-Line highway trucks but has added a new heavy-duty vocational model developed for the construction and government markets. Dubbed the Set-Forward Sterling, the OEM says the new specialty truck features an updated look, improved functionality, increased visibility, and is easier to maintain. The Set-Forward Sterling is available in 101- and 111-in. BBC measurements.

Thanks to its newly designed hood, which has a 12% better sight range than comparable products, the Set-Forward Sterling offers safety benefits for construction and government applications, states the OEM. Constructed from Metton substrate, the hood also provides improved durability over fiberglass and boasts a 20- and 25-lb. weight savings on the 101- and 111-in. models respectively. Engine access has also been improved thanks to advanced hood access door openings of more than one foot and updated hood isolator guides that allow for better alignment and stability. An additional maintenance feature on the Set-Forward Sterling is quick-change headlamps — headlamps are easily serviceable from the front of the vehicle without bezel removal.

Like all Sterlings, the new Set-Forward model was developed with body builders in mind. Reflecting this, it features an updated quarter fender that allows a 111-in. BBC with a vertical frame-mounted exhaust to hold up to 120 gallons of fuel with a clean CA while the 101-in. BBC model can hold up to 70 gallons with a clean CA, according to Sterling.

Changes to Sterling A-line trucks during the model year include making cab air mounts standard equipment for a better driving environment and making air conditioning a standard feature of the climate control system. In addition, stationary extreme outboard single right-hand vertical exhaust is now standard.www.sterlingtrucks.com

VOLVO

Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA) has made its Volvo Link Sentry and Volvo Action Service (VAS) programs standard on its full line of Class 8 trucks. The new standard features include three years of wireless satellite communications services at no additional charge. “The security and support offered to drivers and fleets from Volvo Link Sentry and Volvo Action Service are so great that we made both services standard for Volvo trucks,” states Scott Kress, senior vp of sales & marketing.

A vehicle monitoring and communications system, Volvo Link Sentry works with the VAS roadside assistance program. Link Sentry tracks and communicates key productivity and performance information each week for individual trucks, including fuel used, distance traveled and fuel economy based on a combination of rpm “sweet spot,” pre-set road speeds and cruise control, notes VTNA. The system also tracks such factors as idle time and fuel consumed, low battery voltage and diesel particulate filter status.

According to the OEM, Volvo Link Sentry also offers a feature that can help fleets monitor “driving behavior and performance that affects safety.” This is accomplished by having the system track the number of interventions by the vehicle's enhanced stability system, antilock brake activations, traction control assistance events and wheel spin-outs. Link Sentry also tracks diagnostic codes and automatically sends data via satellite to technical experts at VAS, who can analyze the codes.www.volvo.com/trucks

WESTERN STAR

Western Star Trucks has made various style updates and product upgrades to its line of Class 8 trucks. For starters, the new exterior badging now appears in both the grille bezel and the side of the hood. Key improvements for vocational buyers include addressing EPA '07 enhancements via an upgraded MBE 4000 engine and Detroit Diesel Tier III off-highway engine emission ratings for 100% off-road trucks. Also for vocational applications, Western Stars now boast high-strength, reduced-weight frame rails.

As a result of the new emissions standards, Western Star's radiator packages have expanded. Available in sizes ranging from 1,375 to 1,875 sq. in., the radiators offer increased cooling capacity for high horsepower applications and offer the additional benefit of optimal fuel economy as a result of reduced fan-on time, says the OEM. To accommodate these larger radiators, Western Star added a drop front frame casting for the axle configurations on the 4900 FA, 4900 SA, and 4900 EX models. This allows for increased cooling capacity without exterior modifications to the traditional Western Star hood and grille.

Accommodating increased radiator sizes has also allowed for improvements in front suspensions. A 56-in. asymmetric spring provides improved roll stiffness and better handling in turns due to a shortened front length, while maintaining the soft ride characteristics from the longer rear length, says the OEM.www.westernstartrucks.com